Abstract

Introduction: The role that inflammation plays in the atherosclerotic disease process is well established. Obesity is coupled with a state of chronic inflammation and is associated with increased circulating inflammatory markers including C-Reactive Protein. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additive effect of aerobic or resistance exercise training to caloric restriction for weight loss on high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein changes compared to dietary restriction alone in class II and class III obese individuals. Methods: 24 healthy, sedentary, obese women underwent a 12-week diet and exercise intervention: Caloric restriction weight loss program with no exercise (DIET); Caloric restriction with aerobic endurance training (DIET+AT); and Caloric restriction with resistance training (DIET+RT). Blood was drawn at baseline and 12-weeks and assayed for hs-CRP. Results: Weight was decreased significantly in all groups in the intervention. Hs-CRP was unchanged at 12-weeks.Conclusions: In conclusion, this investigation was successful in producing weight loss, BMI decreases, decreases in body fat percentage, and positive changes in fitness markers, though no changes in hs-CRP were associated with weight loss or weight loss with exercise. Further investigations into the influence of weight loss and exercise on CRP levels among Class II and Class III individuals should be completed to examine and expand upon the results observed in this study.